SIHH 2016 With IWC Schaffhausen

Fasten your seatbelts and let me take you on a journey to Geneva, where IWC Schaffhausen presented their new Pilot’s Watch collection. Flying has always fascinated me and as it was a gentlemen’s sport in the early 1930s it’s a perfect topic to write about.

The dream of flying and the role of IWC Schaffhausen

The mankind’s dream of flying is more than two thousand years old. The pursuit and dream of flying is part of our nature. Ever since then, different cultures continued to research and enhance the technology towards the peak of perfection. The Chinese started already several years BC to experiment with different forms of flying and Leonardo Da Vinci brought the dream of flying to Europe in the 15thcentury, when he already draw first drafts of flying machines.Scientists always knew that riding horses, walking and shipping will not be the future means of transportation. They knew that we are able to reach different spheres. Their ingenuity encouraged them to shatter the rules and to bypass the solid understanding of science. They knew there is more to discover – the sky wasn’t the limit.

The term “aviation” as we know it today came up first in 1863 by a French pioneer and the modern aeroplane with the characteristic tail we know today was established in 1909. From then on the myth of modern flying was born.

In its early years flying was a gentlemen sport performed by well-educated and rich men and became very popular in the 1930s.

This is the time when IWC Schaffhausen – a pioneer in producing Pilot’s Watches started to produce their very first Pilot’s Watch. The first IWC Pilot’s Watches of the 1930s and 1940s set technical benchmarks, and their dial design determined the overall appearance that has remained so distinctive to this day. During the pioneering days of aviation, most pilots had to navigate with the help of pocket watches, because special wristwatches for pilots were still few and far between. By contrast, the first Special Pilot’s Watch, built by IWC in 1936, already featured a rugged glass, a rotating bezel with an arrowhead index for instantaneous legibility and an anti magnetic escapement, together with high contrast, luminescent hands and numerals.

From 1940, IWC started producing the Big Pilot’s Watch in accordance with military specifications. It featured an IWC-manufactured watch movement and large seconds hand. With a case measuring 55 millimetres in diameter and weighing in at 183 grams, until 2016 it was the most voluminous wristwatch ever made by IWC. In terms of precision, it met chronometer standards as well as the technical demands placed on a military navigation or observer’s watch back in those days. Amazing, isn’t it?

This original 55 mm watch was also the inspiration for the new IWC Pilot’s Watch collection presented at the SIHH 2016 in Geneva. IWC tried to stick to their heritage and produced a modern and elegant collection which still reminds you of the original watches produced in the 40ies. Let’s phrase it like Georges Kern (CEO of IWC Schaffhausen) in one of his interviews: “Why always asking for novelties instead of improving the existing products?” (Sonntagszeitung) or as IWC says it: “Be Original”.

The life of a pilot called Antoine de Saint-Exupéry & my favourite watches

Since 2006, IWC has been honouring the life’s work of French poet and pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry with special editions of its Pilot’s Watches. Saint-Exupéry was already a legend in his own lifetime. People are fascinated as much by his books as by his adventurous life and his inherent passion for flying.

Saint-Ex is definitely one of my favourite writers. Not only because he was a pilot, but much more about the wonderful way how he tells the stories. I’m sure you all know his famous book “Le petit prince”.

Not very surprising that my absolute favourite watch of this year’s collection is the Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition ‘Le Petit Prince’. An extraordinary timepiece, I adore this watch. It’s limited to 250 pieces and comes with an IWC-manufactured mechanical movement with 7 days power reserve. One of the terrific details is the annual calendar which displays the month, date and day. Have a close look at the solid gold rotor at the back of the watch, which shows the famous image of the little prince standing on his tiny asteroid and regarding the heavens with wide-open eyes.

Another beautiful watch is the Big Pilot’s watch. I added a picture of the new model below. A new calf leather strap by Santoni is used to provide a high comfort. In terms of design IWC has taken a step back to the roots of the original big pilot’s watch of 1940. This watch fits perfectly to a nice suit and can also be worn casual in your daily life.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince” Ref. IW500916

The SIHH 2016 (Salon international de la haute horlogerie) was an amazing experience. On Tuesday when I arrived at IWC’s booth there were already lots of famous sportsmen and celebrities walking over the red carpet. Stars like Lewis Hamilton, Hilary Swank, Scott Eastwood, Rosamund Pike, Elias M’Barek, Adriana Lima, Christoph Waltz and many more were visiting the booth. Karolina Kurkova and I had a great time, as you can see on the picture. At the occasion she asked me to be her personal photographer, which I certainly did, being a gentleman.

In the evening, I was invited to the legendary IWC gala. On the red carpet there were as many stars as at the Oscarsincluding myself! The gala was amazing – they took us back to the early 30ies/40ies, with dance performances and live big band jazz and blues music by Ronan Keating, Patti Austin and so on IWC Pilot 2016 Gala Event. It was a great experience to celebrate and party with the whole IWC crew and all the famous people.

Marc Forster, Scott Eastwood, Chris Evans & Georges Kern

Nico Rosberg & Lewis Hamilton

Hilary Swank & Christoph Waltz

The recap of my journey matches perfectly with the values of flying. Flying is a sign for absolute freedom, elusiveness, spirit of discovery and harmony. We adore flying because it frees our mind and it lets all our worries fly away – and that’s what I experienced at the SIHH 2016!PS. Here some photos with Celebrities, the quality of the images doesn’t match my blog, and therefore I decided to put them on an external drive in case you want to have a look:

It’s time for ZFF! Zürich is full with people, there are banners and flags of the Zürich Film Festival everywhere! The board of the ZFF has perfectly organised this whole event. You’re getting pretty much every info twice, which is good for us writers.

The vibe in Zürich during these days was incredible, the city is full with an excited crowd and everyone wants to see the stars and movies of the ZFF 2015. It’s really wonderful how close you get to meet the celebrities.

I had an amazing time during the Zürich Film Festival, and I’m absolutely sure I will come back next year.

My week-end started with a visit at the Widder Hotel, a luxury and ancient hotel located directly in the heart of Zürich City. I love the touch and energy, every room of the 49 in total has it’s own style and ambiance.

We had a great dinner (prepared by the chef cooks and our assistance).

Very yummy meal with 15 Gault Millau points.

The journey went on after a relaxing evening. I got up Saturday morning early, on my way to attend the IWC Media Breakfast – very exciting!

The conversation between the anchor Kurt Aeschbacher, the CEO Georges Kern & Marc Forster was very educational and interesting. These points were mainly discussed:

The role of a big investor in swiss film industry

Switzerland’s role in film industry

Government’s responsibiltiy towards film subsity

The upcoming award IWC handed to a Swiss talent

Marc Forster’s life and role as a director

I highly appreciate the fact that a big and substainal brad like IWC Schaffhausen is encouraging young people in Film industry. Meeting Marc Forster was just fantastic. He is a genius, very down to earth and a lot of humor.

Georges Kern (CEO of IWC) proofs that his role as a leader for one of the biggest watch brands in history.

Later in the afteroon it was the big gig of Christoph Waltz, two times oscar winner and one of my favourite actors. He is not just famous for good acting, but also for his special humour, I enjoyed it a lot.

The fabolous adventure went on. Saturday evening we had a beautiful dinner at the Widder Hotel, The CEO Jan Brucker and his lovely wife Regula were so nice and friendly, I really enjoyed the stay at this cosy hotel.

And this is what I’m writing about. Suddenly you hang there and Jan pops in with Kiefer Sutherland, he explained how much he loves Switzerland and Zürich. Great experience to meet him.

Every journey has an end, so I went to the green carpet to see the Terminator (or as other people call him: Arnie, Arnold Schwarzenegger). The green carped was super packed, you had to find place for your elbow, everyone was nuts to see the former governer.

When it comes to the name Willy Monfret, something rings a bell. I’m sure, many of you now think about the name and how to classify it. If you’re always up-to-date in terms of the most known DJs and therefore nightlife fancier, you’ll definitely know this name. His tracks are supported by DJs such as David Guetta, Chuckie, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and he’s famous for his lead roles in the music videos “Right Thru Me” (2010) and “The Pinkprint Movie” (2014) by Nicki Minaj.

If you’re more a fashion lover, there’s also no way to miss the name of this young guy. He’s been booked for names like Karl Lagerfeld, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, Maxim and has been seen on covers of popular magazines like GQ, Men’s Health and Préférences. Willy was born and raised in Paris, studied Business Management and was an athlete, running for the French national team, before he started his successful model and music career.

Last weekend, he visited Switzerland for another performance in his tour around the globe. Although his time schedule is too full, we had the honor to meet him in the Radisson Blu hotel lobby before his performance and enjoyed a very inspiring chat about his work.

Photos by Diana Kottmann

How long have you been working as a model and which brands did you work for so far?

It’s been almost ten years now. During this time I’ve been working for brands like Armani, L’Oréal, Diesel, Levis, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and so on.

What do you like most about your job?

It really depends, because there are different sections in modeling as runway, campaigns and TV commercials. For doing this, you need some acting skills, you have to show yourself and move around. So, I’d say TV commercials.

How do you combine your work as a model and as a DJ?

Sure, these are two different kinds of jobs. But for me it’s a fusion, because they both go together. Working as a model is a daytime job while the DJ performances take place during the evening and night. So I have castings and model jobs during the week and live performances at the weekends. As a model, you’re often going out to bars and nightclubs in the evenings, so the party scene is part of the fashion industry. That’s why it goes well together.

A gentleman is open and social to everyone. In a situation with a lady, he certainly opens the door and takes care of the woman in every second. I’d say, he’s the one who knows what you want, before you actually ask for it. That would be the perfect gentleman, I guess.

You live in Miami during the winter. Where are the differences in terms of fashion/style to Switzerland?

Miami is different. There’s more beach life, there are more colors in the fashion trends in general. It’s also the US – they are more into aesthetic things like big boobs, big butts. The fashion is different as well as the models. The market concentrates more on commercials in swimwear, lingerie, sports, fitness, beachlife style and surf style in general.

What are you next plans?

This year, I’m very focused on productions, new tracks, new releases, and new collaborations with other artists. I’m spending more time in the studio. In addition, fashion as a whole is a part of my life. I’m doing different castings, going to the fashion weeks and so on.

On April 5th (Easter Sunday), Willy Monfret will be back in Zurich for the Fabulous Fashion Night in the night club Alice Choo. That’s definitely worth a visit!

//agentlemans.world/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/agw-logo-605.png00gentleman//agentlemans.world/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/agw-logo-605.pnggentleman2015-03-27 14:21:002016-05-30 13:39:09Willy Monfret - A Perfect Match Of Fashion And Music